The Associated Press reports Atlanta Falcons DT Chad Lavalais appears to be done with the Falcons. A starter last season, he fell out of favor during the offseason with a lackadaisical work ethic, played sparingly in the first three preseason games and didn't even get on the field in the last one Thursday evening, Aug. 31.

Steve Wyche, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Jim Mora said that starting DL Chad Lavalais needs to step up in order to factor in to the team's defensive line. Mora said he is looking for more out of him at this point in his career.

Steve Wyche, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DL Darrell Shropshire could push for DL Chad Lavalais' job. Shropshire started his offseason workouts a month before most players and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said he is stronger, faster and "very hungry."

Steve Wyche, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports the Philadelphia Eagles asked the NFL about a hit that Atlanta Falcons DT Chad Lavalais put on QB Donovan McNabb in the first quarter of the team's game Monday, Sept. 12, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Eagles felt Lavalais lunged at McNabb and hit him with the top of his helmet at the same time DE Brady Smith tackled him on a pass attempt.

Jeff Duncan, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports Atlanta Falcons rookie DT Chad Lavalais has made a significant impact playing nose tackle for a defense that currently ranks sixth against the run so far this year. Lavalais, a fifth-round draft choice, has filled in for injured DT Rod Coleman in recent weeks and has impressed general manager Rich McKay. "Usually, it takes a rookie a little while to figure out how hard he has to work in order to be productive," McKay said. "Chad figured it out pretty quick." Lavalais has recorded 16 tackles and played in 47 percent of the defensive snaps this season.

Matt Winkeljohn, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DT Demetrin Veal (hamstring) has lost ground while missing most of training camp with a hamstring pull. Veal will face competition from DTs Chad Lavalais and Antwan Lake when he returns to practice.

Matt Winkeljohn, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons rookie DT Chad Lavalais currently weighs 295 pounds, dropping nearly 15 pounds since the April-May minicamp. "He had an incredible offseason," said general manager Rich McKay. "We told him right away that would be an issue. He took the issue head-on with the way he worked, and his diet." The Falcons want Lavalais in the 290-293 weight range for the season.

Ken Sugiura, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports the contract signed by Atlanta Falcons rookie DT Chad Lavalais (Louisiana State), the team's fifth-round pick, is a three-year deal worth $1.07 million. The deal includes a signing bonus of about $130,000.

George Henry reports for the Sporting News that Atlanta Falcons rookie DT Chad Lavalais would step into the defensive line rotation if the team parts ways with DT Ellis Johnson. He impressed defensive line coach Bill Johnson during two minicamps.